Victorian Performances

Colonial Performances

Lydia Adams Davis has combined her interest in nineteenth century life and her singing to create a refreshing program of Victorian popular songs. By researching the archives of nineteenth century music, Lydia has found a large array of beautiful songs. Dr. Ruthanne Schempf, pianist, and Lydia perform in costume to transport you back to the Victorian age with songs such as:

"Beautiful Dreamer"
"I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair" and other Stephen Foster favorites
"Frankie and Johnnie"
"A Bird in a Gilded Cage"
"Listen to the Mockingbird"
"After the Ball"
"When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
"Daisy Bell"
"Goober Peas"
"In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree"
"Tenting Tonight" (other Civil War songs)
"Silver Threads Among the Gold"
"The Band Played On"
"White Wings"
"When You Were Sweet Sixteen"

What do James and Dolley Madison, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and George Mason have in common?
A. They were all famous 18th Century Virginians
B. Lydia Adams Davis celebrates their lives and accomplishments in original ballads
C. They liked Ice Cream
D. All of the above

The Colonial and Revolutionary War days in America produced wonderful songs from the "Mother Country" and the "New World". Lydia entertains with a soprano voice, playing guitar, dulcimer and, when available, harpsichord. Lydia will tell true to life stories of men, women and children from the early years of America and into the 19th century, wearing Colonial costume. Anecdotal humor and audience participation

Dressed in authentic Colonial garb, Lydia Adams Davis brings to life the daily activities of families living in the Hudson Valley during the colonial and revolutionary war times.

Through ballads and tales, Lydia accompanies her soprano voice on various stringed instruments.

Accounts of bravery, treachery, political buffoonery and patriotism are melodically expressed in familiar and obscure historical songs.

Personalities featured in performances are Granny Wales, Robert Erskine (of Long Pond Iron Works), Abigail Adams, and composite Dutch, British and "American" families.

Lydia's performance credits and years as an artist-in-residence contribute to a well-researched and thoroughly entertaining program.

Other Historical Programs

Ruthanne Schempf accompanies Lydia on piano for American songbook and jazz standards.

Kathy Byers provides harmony vocals and background instrumentals for It's A Mighty Hard Road - songs of the Great Depression: Woody Guthrie favorites, Union songs and Tin Pan Alley hits.

In costume, Lydia also offers "Over There ": songs of the Great War and World War Two, perfect for Veteran's Day and Memorial Day celebrations.

Using her improvisational talents and background in theater, Lydia makes the audience an integral part of the show. Join in the fun!